Smoke rises from the Karachi airport terminal after the attack late on Sunday night
Karachi:
Pakistan's army spokesman declared an end to a military operation following a six-hour-long siege of Pakistan's busiest airport in the southern city of Karachi on Monday. At least 20 people have been killed in the attack.
"Update: Area cleared. No damage to aircraft, fire visible in pics was not plane but a building, now extinguished. All vital assets intact," tweeted Major General Asim Bajwa at 4:35 am (1135 GMT Sunday).
Bajwa added that a total of 10 militants were killed in clashes with security forces, and that ammunition, rockets and RPGs were recovered from the attackers, who wore "big packs".
At least some of the gunmen wore the uniforms of the Airport Security Force that protects the nation's airports, said an official who briefed journalists. He said all were strapped with explosives. He said one of them tried to capture a vehicle used by the Civil Aviation Authority and when a guard shot at him, the explosives strapped to his body went off. The official said another attacker also blew up after being shot at by security forces.
"They were well trained. Their plan was very well thought out," said the Chief Minister of Sindh province, Qaim Ali Shah. He said they intended to destroy some of the aircraft and buildings but were not able to.
Authorities diverted incoming flights and suspended all flight operations. The Pakistan army, meanwhile, said that the clean up operation is on and the airport will be operational by midday.
"Precautionary sweep after day light. Airport will be cleared by mid day for operations, handed back to CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)/ASF (Airport Security Force). Pakistan Zindabad (long live Pakistan)!" tweeted Major General Asim Bajwa.
Karachi is Pakistan's largest city and has been the site of frequent militant attacks in the past. It is the country's economic heart and any militant activity targeting the airport likely would strike a heavy blow at foreign investment in the country.
In May 2011, militants waged an 18-hour siege at a naval base in Karachi, killing 10 people in an assault that deeply embarrassed the armed forces.
"Update: Area cleared. No damage to aircraft, fire visible in pics was not plane but a building, now extinguished. All vital assets intact," tweeted Major General Asim Bajwa at 4:35 am (1135 GMT Sunday).
Bajwa added that a total of 10 militants were killed in clashes with security forces, and that ammunition, rockets and RPGs were recovered from the attackers, who wore "big packs".
At least some of the gunmen wore the uniforms of the Airport Security Force that protects the nation's airports, said an official who briefed journalists. He said all were strapped with explosives. He said one of them tried to capture a vehicle used by the Civil Aviation Authority and when a guard shot at him, the explosives strapped to his body went off. The official said another attacker also blew up after being shot at by security forces.
"They were well trained. Their plan was very well thought out," said the Chief Minister of Sindh province, Qaim Ali Shah. He said they intended to destroy some of the aircraft and buildings but were not able to.
Authorities diverted incoming flights and suspended all flight operations. The Pakistan army, meanwhile, said that the clean up operation is on and the airport will be operational by midday.
"Precautionary sweep after day light. Airport will be cleared by mid day for operations, handed back to CAA (Civil Aviation Authority)/ASF (Airport Security Force). Pakistan Zindabad (long live Pakistan)!" tweeted Major General Asim Bajwa.
Karachi is Pakistan's largest city and has been the site of frequent militant attacks in the past. It is the country's economic heart and any militant activity targeting the airport likely would strike a heavy blow at foreign investment in the country.
In May 2011, militants waged an 18-hour siege at a naval base in Karachi, killing 10 people in an assault that deeply embarrassed the armed forces.
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